Acid/anionic antimicrobial and virucidal compositions and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial compositions including at least one acid and at least one anionic surfactant are provided. In particular, food contact antimicrobial compositions including at least one acid and at least one anionic surfactant provide a no-rinse compositions efficacious against Norovirus, having acceptable use solution pH that do not require use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are surface compatible and do not leave residues on treated surfaces are provided. Methods of cleaning a surface with the compositions are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/563,461, filed Sep. 26, 2017, hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to antimicrobial compositions including at leastone acid and at least one anionic surfactant. In particular, foodcontact (or non-food contact) antimicrobial compositions including atleast one acid and at least one anionic surfactant provide a no-rinsecomposition efficacious for sanitizing and against Norovirus, havingacceptable use solution pH that do not require use of personalprotective equipment (PPE), are surface compatible and do not result instreaky, hazy or tacky residues on treated surfaces. The compositionsare suitable for use as hard surface antimicrobial compositions,including ware wash applications, 3^(rd) sink sanitizers, food contactand non-food contact applications, biofilm treatment compositions, amongothers, including those which are an alternative to quaternary ammoniumcompounds. Methods of cleaning a surface with the compositions are alsoprovided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Microbial and Viral pathogens are an increasing public health concern.Pathogenic viruses present a significant health concern as they are ableto persist on surfaces for longer periods of time and require completeand reliable inactivation in order to stop disease transmission. Virusescan be identified according to a hierarchy that correspondences with thelevel of resistance to being inactivated. The three viral subgroupsinclude small non-enveloped, large non-enveloped, and enveloped viruses.An antimicrobial product that is able to inactivate a small,non-enveloped virus is also able to inactivate any large, non-envelopedvirus or any enveloped virus. Similarly, an antimicrobial product thatcan inactivate a large, non-enveloped virus is also able to inactivateany enveloped virus. Accordingly it is desirable to identify and developantimicrobial compositions that can inactivate small, non-envelopedviruses to then be able to have corresponding antimicrobial efficacyacross the viral hierarchy. Norovirus is an exemplary small,non-enveloped virus in need of additional antimicrobial compositions forsurface treatment.

Norovirus is an exemplary small, non-enveloped virus in need ofadditional antimicrobial compositions for surface treatment. Thenon-enveloped Norovirus (NoV), also known previously as “Norwalk-LikeVirus” (NLV) or small round structured virus, is the most importantviral pathogen of epidemic acute gastroenteritis that occurs in bothdeveloped and developing countries. NoV belongs to the Caliciviridaefamily and are icosahedral, single stranded, positive-sense RNA viruseswhose capsids are composed of 180 copies of a single major structuralprotein. Noroviruses are estimated to cause 23 million cases of acutegastroenteritis in the United States per year, and are the leading causeof gastroenteritis in the United States. Of viruses, only the commoncold is reported more often than viral gastroenteritis (norovirus).Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting (sometimes accompanied by diarrhea),and stomach cramps. This infection typically is spread from person toperson by direct contact.

Noroviruses are very highly contagious and can spread easily from personto person. People can become infected with the norovirus in severalways, including, eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminatedwith norovirus; touching surfaces or objects contaminated withnorovirus, and then placing their hands in their mouths; or havingdirect contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms(for example, when caring for someone who is ill, or sharing foods oreating utensils with someone who is ill). During outbreaks of norovirusgastroenteritis, several modes of transmission have been documented, forexample, initial foodborne transmission in a restaurant, followed bysecondary person-to-person transmission to household contacts.

Quaternary ammonium compounds have become a commonplace antimicrobialand are widely used within the foodservice industry for food contactsanitizing and disinfectant applications with disinfection claim setsrequiring a follow-up rinse step. However, recent regulatory scrutinyover quaternary ammonium compounds may change the utilization of thesesanitizing and disinfectant compositions.

Quaternary ammonium compounds and other chemistries are utilized inproducts for treating Norovirus, which is a highly contagious,significant public health burden. Norovirus is one of the most difficultviruses to disinfect. Norovirus is the most common cause of epidemicgastroenteritis causing at least 50% of all outbreaks with an estimated20 million cases in the U.S. each year and is the leading cause offoodborne illness. The financial impact is large. The cost per case ofNorovirus is low relative to other foodborne illnesses but due to itshigh incidence the total cost of illness for Norovirus is substantial.Norovirus is sourced from the feces or vomit of an infected person andis spread through a number of ways including contact with unwashedhands, ingestion of contaminated food or water, and contact withcontaminated surfaces. Studies have shown an infected person may becontagious for 2 weeks after recovery and may continue shedding virusparticles in feces for as long as 2 months. Given the persistence ofNorovirus, decontamination of surfaces should take place long after aninfected person is no longer showing symptoms.

Products having a no-rinse capability are desirable, although theypresent challenges due to regulatory requirements for all active andinert ingredients to have a list tolerance designated for chemicalsubstances used as ingredients in antimicrobial pesticide formulationsapplied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places,dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils.Various commercially-available products exist in the marketplace thatprovide no-rinse options for Norovirus, including for example, PurellProfessional Food Service Sanitizer as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,143,309 and Pure Bioscience Pure Hard Surface as disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,197,814 and 6,583,176, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety. However, there are variouschallenges presented by the products. For example, various productspresent flammability concerns, impart hazy and/or tacky residues and/orpoor surface appearance, having limited compatibility with soft metalsurfaces (including aluminum) and are only available as ready-to-use(RTU) formulations instead of concentrates and/or solids, which limitsapplications of their use. As a result, there are various limitationswhich set in place a need for improved compositions.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the compositions and methods toprovide a product that can offer no-rinse disinfection without the useof quaternary ammonium compounds.

A further object of the compositions and methods is to provideantimicrobial and disinfectant compositions against Norovirus (and othersmall, non-enveloped viruses to also provide antiviral efficacy againstlarge, non-eveloped viruses and enveloped viruses), including shortcontact time, preferably 10 minutes or less, more preferably 5 minutesor less, and most preferred 1 minute or less.

A further object of the compositions and methods is a treatment optionproviding acceptable material compatibility that supports good cleaningperformance without a hazy, streaky, or tacky residue on the treatedsurface.

A further object of the compositions and methods is a treatment optionhaving a use solution pH that does not require the use of personalprotective equipment (PPE).

A still further object of the compositions and methods is to provideefficacy against biofilms.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following specification taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An advantage of the compositions and methods is that antimicrobialcompositions provide dilutable, non-flammable, no-rinse efficacy againstmicrobial pathogens, including viruses such as Norovirus, whileproviding surface compatible formulations that do not leave hazy,streaky, or tacky residues on treated surfaces. It is a furtheradvantage of the compositions and methods that use solution pH do notrequire a user to employ PPE. As still further benefits, thecompositions are suitable for use as hard surface antimicrobialcompositions, including ware wash applications, 3^(rd) sink sanitizers,food contact and non-food contact applications, biofilm treatmentcompositions, among others, including those which are an alternative toquaternary ammonium compounds.

In an embodiment, an antimicrobial composition comprises from about 10wt-% to about 75 wt-% of at least one acid, wherein the acid is a strongacid, weak acid and/or combination thereof; at least one sulfonate,sulfate and/or carboxylate anionic surfactant; and water, wherein thecomposition is a dilutable liquid concentrate having an acidic pH thatis non-flammable. In a further embodiment, the anionic surfactant is aC8-C22 alkyl sulfonate, and/or alpha sulfonated carboxylic acid or itsester, preferably linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid. In a furtherembodiment the acids comprise lactic acid and methane sulfonic acid. Infurther embodiments, the compositions also include an alkoxylatednonionic surfactant having an EO/PO block copolymer. A use solution ofthe compositions have a pH from about 1.5 to about 4. In furtherembodiments, the liquid compositions can be saturated onto a wipesubstrate. In still further embodiments the liquid compositions can beprovided as a ready to use composition comprising from about 5 ppm toabout 10,000 pm of the at least one acid and from about 10 ppm to about6,000 ppm of the anionic surfactant.

In further embodiments, methods of using an antimicrobial composition,comprise: contacting the antimicrobial composition of claim 1 to asurface in need of treatment, wherein the method does not require arinse step and achieves at least a 3-log microbial reduction. Inembodiments, the contacting is by wiping, dipping, immersing, orspraying, and wherein the surface is a hard surface, a precleaned hardsurface, a surface contaminated with Norovirus and/or biofilm, and/or ahuman or mammalian tissue. In embodiments, the contacting providescomplete kill of the Norovirus in less than 1 minute, and wherein thecontacting step is at an aqueous use temperature from about 40° F.-160°F. In embodiments, the concentrate is diluted at a rate of from about ⅛oz./gal. to about 2 oz./gal. to form a use solution comprising fromabout 5 ppm to about 10,000 ppm of at least one acid, and from about 10ppm to about 6000 ppm of at least one anionic surfactant, and whereinthe use solution pH from about 1.5 to about 4.

In an embodiment, a virucidal composition comprises from about 10 wt-%to about 75 wt-% of at least one strong acid and at least one weak acid;at least one sulfonate, sulfate and/or carboxylate anionic surfactant;and water, wherein the composition is a dilutable acidic liquidconcentrate that is non-flammable, wherein a use pH of the compositionis from about 1.5 to about 4. In still further embodiments, thecomposition of claim 16, wherein the anionic surfactant is a C8-C22alkyl sulfonate and/or alpha sulfonated carboxylic acid or its ester,and wherein the weak acid comprises from about 10 wt-% to about 50 wt-%and the strong acid comprises from about 0.1 wt-% to about 19 wt-%, andthe at least one anionic surfactant comprises from about 0.2 wt-% toabout 50 wt-%.

In further embodiments, methods of inactivating a virus include:contacting the virucidal composition of claim 16 to a surface in need oftreatment; wherein the contacting provides antiviral inactivationefficacy from at least a 3 log reduction to complete inactivation withinless 1 minute, or preferably less than 30 seconds, and wherein themethod does not require a rinse step and does not impart a residue onthe treated surface. In embodiments of the methods, the virus is asmall, non-enveloped virus, a large, non-enveloped virus, and/or anenveloped virus. In preferred embodiments, the virus is Norovirus.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddetailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows cleaning performance evaluation results comparingcommercially-available products with efficacy against Norovirus comparedto the acid/anionic surfactant compositions disclosed herein.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. FIGURESrepresented herein are not limitations to the various embodimentsaccording to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustrationof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to dilutable, non-flammable antimicrobialcompositions providing no-rinse efficacy against microbial and viralpathogens, including Norovirus, while providing surface compatibleformulations that do not leave hazy, streaky, or tacky residues ontreated surfaces and do not require PPE. The embodiments are not limitedto particular compositions and methods of use thereof, which can varyand are understood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understoodthat all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in anymanner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” can includeplural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.Further, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be denoted in its SIaccepted form.

Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of thenumbers within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, variousaspects of this invention are presented in a range format. It should beunderstood that the description in range format is merely forconvenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexiblelimitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the descriptionof a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all thepossible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within thatrange (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

So that the present invention may be more readily understood, certainterms are first defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical andscientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments ofthe invention pertain. Many methods and materials similar, modified, orequivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of theembodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation, thepreferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing andclaiming the embodiments of the present invention, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set outbelow.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numericalquantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring andliquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutionsin the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures;through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of theingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods; andthe like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due todifferent equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from aparticular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”,the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

The term “actives” or “percent actives” or “percent by weight actives”or “actives concentration” are used interchangeably herein and refers tothe concentration of those ingredients involved in cleaning expressed asa percentage minus inert ingredients such as water or salts.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” or “alkyl groups” refers to saturatedhydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chainalkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl,octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or “cycloalkyl” or“alicyclic” or “carbocyclic” groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups(e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), andalkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkylgroups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

Unless otherwise specified, the term “alkyl” includes both“unsubstituted alkyls” and “substituted alkyls.” As used herein, theterm “substituted alkyls” refers to alkyl groups having substituentsreplacing one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of thehydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents may include, for example,alkenyl, alkynyl, halogeno, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy,alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate,alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl,phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, cyano, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino),acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyland ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate,sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonates, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro,trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic(including heteroaromatic) groups.

In some embodiments, substituted alkyls can include a heterocyclicgroup. As used herein, the term “heterocyclic group” includes closedring structures analogous to carbocyclic groups in which one or more ofthe carbon atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon, forexample, nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups may besaturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but arenot limited to, aziridine, ethylene oxide (epoxides, oxiranes), thiirane(episulfides), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, dioxetane,dithietane, dithiete, azolidine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolane,dihydrofuran, and furan.

Differentiation of antimicrobial “-cidal” or “-static” activity, thedefinitions which describe the degree of efficacy, and the officiallaboratory protocols for measuring this efficacy are considerations forunderstanding the relevance of antimicrobial agents and compositions.Antimicrobial compositions can affect two kinds of microbial celldamage. The first is a lethal, irreversible action resulting in completemicrobial cell destruction or incapacitation. The second type of celldamage is reversible, such that if the organism is rendered free of theagent, it can again multiply. The former is termed microbiocidal and thelater, microbistatic. A sanitizer and a disinfectant are, by definition,agents which provide antimicrobial or microbiocidal activity. Incontrast, a preservative is generally described as an inhibitor ormicrobistatic composition.

As referred to herein, antimicrobial compositions are further suitablefor cidal activity against viral pathogens, including for example,Norovirus. For the purpose of this patent application, successfulvirucidal reduction is achieved when the viral populations arecompletely inactivated.

The term “biofilm,” as used herein, means an extracellular matrix inwhich a population of microorganisms are dispersed and/or form colonies.Biofilms are understood to be typically made of polysaccharides andother macromolecules, often referred to as exopolysaccharides, that areconcentrated at an interface (usually solid/liquid) and act as a bindingagent that surrounds such populations of microorganisms. Biofilms arefurther understood to include complex associations of cells,extracellular products and detritus (or non-living particulate organicmaterial) that are trapped within the biofilm or released from cellswithin the biofilm. The term biofilm, as used herein, further refers tothe ASTM definition of biofilm as an accumulation of bacterial cellsimmobilized on a substratum and embedded in an organic polymer matrix ofmicrobial origin. Biofilms are understood to be a dynamic,self-organized accumulation of microorganisms and microbial andenvironmental by-products that is determined by the environment in whichit lives.

As used herein, the term “cleaning” refers to a method used tofacilitate or aid in soil removal, bleaching, microbial populationreduction, rinsing, and any combination thereof.

As used herein, the term “microorganism” refers to any noncellular orunicellular (including colonial) organism. Microorganisms include allprokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria),spores, lichens, fungi, protozoa, virinos, viroids, viruses, phages, andsome algae. As used herein, the term “microbe” is synonymous withmicroorganism.

The term “commercially acceptable cleaning performance” refers generallyto the degree of cleanliness, extent of effort, or both that a typicalconsumer would expect to achieve or expend when using a cleaning productor cleaning system to address a typical soiling condition on a typicalsubstrate. This degree of cleanliness may, depending on the particularcleaning product and particular substrate, correspond to a generalabsence of visible soils, or to some lesser degree of cleanliness.Cleanliness may be evaluated in a variety of ways depending on theparticular cleaning product being used (e.g., ware or laundry detergent,rinse aid, hard surface cleaner, vehicular wash or rinse agent, or thelike) and the particular hard or soft surface being cleaned (e.g., ware,laundry, fabrics, vehicles, and the like), and normally may bedetermined using generally agreed industry standard tests or localizedvariations of such tests. In the absence of such agreed industrystandard tests, cleanliness may be evaluated using the test or testsalready employed by a manufacturer or seller to evaluate the cleaningperformance of its phosphorus-containing cleaning products sold inassociation with its brand. In some aspects, the methods providecommercially acceptable cleaning performance while ensuring theformulations do not leave hazy, streaky, or tacky residues on treatedsurfaces.

As used herein, the term “corrosive” refers to an agent or compositionthat results in chemical attack, oxidation, discoloration, dimensionalchanges and/or weight loss of a surface and/or pitting of a surface.Various mechanisms of corrosion are disclosed in Corrosion Basics,National Association of Corrosion Engineers, 1984, including forexample, metal corrosion through a redox attack, attacking andpenetrating the passivation layers of metal, pitting of surfaces, etc.Compositions that are non-corrosive beneficially do not cause or exhibitany chemical attack, oxidation, discoloration, dimensional and/or weightloss of a surface and/or pitting of a surface. Exemplary methodology forassessing corrosive or non-corrosive properties of a composition areillustrated in the Examples and can include weight assessment to measuresurface changes and/or gloss measurements.

As used herein, the term “disinfectant” refers to an agent that killsall vegetative cells including most recognized pathogenicmicroorganisms, using the procedure described in A.O.A.C. Use DilutionMethods, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of OfficialAnalytical Chemists, paragraph 955.14 and applicable sections, 15thEdition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). As used herein, the term “high leveldisinfection” or “high level disinfectant” refers to a compound orcomposition that kills substantially all organisms, except high levelsof bacterial spores, and is effected with a chemical germicide clearedfor marketing as a sterilant by the Food and Drug Administration. Asused herein, the term “intermediate-level disinfection” or “intermediatelevel disinfectant” refers to a compound or composition that killsmycobacteria, most viruses, and bacteria with a chemical germicideregistered as a tuberculocide by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). As used herein, the term “low-level disinfection” or “low leveldisinfectant” refers to a compound or composition that kills someviruses and bacteria with a chemical germicide registered as a hospitaldisinfectant by the EPA.

As used herein, the phrase “food processing surface” refers to a surfaceof a tool, a machine, equipment, a structure, a building, or the likethat is employed as part of a food processing, preparation, or storageactivity. Examples of food processing surfaces include surfaces of foodprocessing or preparation equipment (e.g., slicing, canning, ortransport equipment, including flumes), of food processing wares (e.g.,utensils, dishware, wash ware, and bar glasses), and of floors, walls,or fixtures of structures in which food processing occurs. Foodprocessing surfaces are found and employed in food anti-spoilage aircirculation systems, aseptic packaging sanitizing, food refrigerationand cooler cleaners and sanitizers, ware washing sanitizing, blanchercleaning and sanitizing, food packaging materials, cutting boardadditives, third-sink sanitizing, beverage chillers and warmers, meatchilling or scalding waters, autodish sanitizers, sanitizing gels,cooling towers, food processing antimicrobial garment sprays, andnon-to-low-aqueous food preparation lubricants, oils, and rinseadditives.

As used herein, the phrase “food product” includes any food substancethat might require treatment with an antimicrobial agent or compositionand that is edible with or without further preparation. Food productsinclude meat (e.g. red meat and pork), seafood, poultry, produce (e.g.,fruits and vegetables), eggs, living eggs, egg products, ready to eatfood, wheat, seeds, roots, tubers, leafs, stems, corns, flowers,sprouts, seasonings, or a combination thereof. The term “produce” refersto food products such as fruits and vegetables and plants orplant-derived materials that are typically sold uncooked and, often,unpackaged, and that can sometimes be eaten raw.

The term “hard surface” refers to a solid, substantially non-flexiblesurface such as a counter top, tile, floor, wall, panel, window,plumbing fixture, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliance, engine,circuit board, and dish. Hard surfaces may include for example, healthcare surfaces and food processing surfaces.

As used herein, the phrase “health care surface” refers to a surface ofan instrument, a device, a cart, a cage, furniture, a structure, abuilding, or the like that is employed as part of a health careactivity. Examples of health care surfaces include surfaces of medicalor dental instruments, of medical or dental devices, of electronicapparatus employed for monitoring patient health, and of floors, walls,or fixtures of structures in which health care occurs. Health caresurfaces are found in hospital, surgical, infirmity, birthing, mortuary,and clinical diagnosis rooms. These surfaces can be those typified as“hard surfaces” (such as walls, floors, bed-pans, etc.), or fabricsurfaces, e.g., knit, woven, and non-woven surfaces (such as surgicalgarments, draperies, bed linens, bandages, etc.), or patient-careequipment (such as respirators, diagnostic equipment, shunts, bodyscopes, wheel chairs, beds, etc.), or surgical and diagnostic equipment.Health care surfaces include articles and surfaces employed in animalhealth care.

The term “improved cleaning performance” refers generally to achievementby a substitute cleaning product or substitute cleaning system of agenerally greater degree of cleanliness or with generally a reducedexpenditure of effort, or both, when using the substitute cleaningproduct or substitute cleaning system rather than the conventionalcleaning product to address a typical soiling condition on a typicalsubstrate. This degree of cleanliness may, depending on the particularcleaning product and particular substrate, correspond to a generalabsence of visible soils, along with treated surfaces that do not havehazy, streaky, or tacky residues.

The terms “include” and “including” when used in reference to a list ofmaterials refer to but are not limited to the materials so listed.

As used herein, the term “instrument” refers to the various medical ordental instruments or devices that can benefit from cleaning with acomposition according to the present invention.

As used herein, the term “virucidal” refers to an agent that reduces thenumber of viruses on a surface or substrate. In an embodiment, virucidalcompositions will provide at least a 3-log order reduction, orpreferably a 5-log order reduction, or more preferably a completeinactivation of viruses. These reductions can be evaluated using aprocedure set out in ASTM E1053 Standard Test Method for Efficacy ofVirucidal Agents Intended for Inanimate Environmental Surfaces; USstandards are set forth in EPA 810.2200. According to this reference avirucidal composition should provide a 99.9% reduction (3-log orderreduction) for virucidal activity.

The term “virus”, as used herein refers to a type of microorganism thatcan include both pathogenic and non-pathogenic viruses. Pathogenicviruses can be classified into two general types with respect to theviral structure: enveloped viruses and non-enveloped viruses. Somewell-known enveloped viruses include herpes virus, influenza virus;paramyxovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, corona virus, HIV, hepatitisB virus, hepatitis C virus and SARS-CoV virus. Non-enveloped viruses,sometimes referred to as “naked” viruses, include the familiesPicornaviridae, Reoviridae, Caliciviridae, Adenoviridae andParvoviridae. Members of these families include rhinovirus, poliovirus,adenovirus, hepatitis A virus, norovirus, papillomavirus, and rotavirus.It is known in the art that “enveloped” viruses are relatively sensitiveand, thus, can be inactivated by commonly used disinfectants. Incontrast, non-enveloped viruses are substantially more resistant toconventional disinfectants and are significantly more environmentallystable than enveloped viruses.

As used herein, the term “sanitizer” refers to an agent that reduces thenumber of bacterial contaminants to safe levels as judged by publichealth requirements. In an embodiment, sanitizers for use in thisinvention will provide at least a 3-log reduction and more preferably a5-log order reduction. These reductions can be evaluated using aprocedure set out in Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action ofDisinfectants, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association ofOfficial Analytical Chemists, paragraph 960.09 and applicable sections,15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). According to this reference asanitizer should provide a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction)within 30 seconds at room temperature, 25±2° C., against several testorganisms.

As used herein, the term “soil” refers to polar or non-polar organic orinorganic substances including, but not limited to carbohydrates,proteins, fats, oils and the like. These substances may be present intheir organic state or complexed to a metal to form an inorganiccomplex.

As used herein, the term “substantially free” refers to compositionscompletely lacking the component or having such a small amount of thecomponent that the component does not affect the performance of thecomposition. The component may be present as an impurity or as acontaminant and shall be less than 0.5 wt-%. In another embodiment, theamount of the component is less than 0.1 wt-% and in yet anotherembodiment, the amount of component is less than 0.01 wt-%.

The term “threshold agent” refers to a compound that inhibitscrystallization of water hardness ions from solution, but that need notform a specific complex with the water hardness ion. Threshold agentsinclude but are not limited to a polyacrylate, a polymethacrylate, anolefin/maleic copolymer, and the like.

As used herein, the term “ware” refers to items such as eating andcooking utensils, dishes, and other hard surfaces such as showers,sinks, toilets, bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, transportationvehicles, and floors. As used herein, the term “warewashing” refers towashing, cleaning, or rinsing ware. The term “ware” generally refers toitems such as eating and cooking utensils, dishes, and other hardsurfaces. Ware also refers to items made of various substrates,including glass, ceramic, china, crystal, metal, plastic or naturalsubstances such, but not limited to clay, bamboo, hemp and the like.Types of metals that can be cleaned with the compositions include butare not limited to, those that include aluminum, copper, brass, andstainless steel. Types of plastics that can be cleaned with thecompositions include but are not limited to, those that includepolypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), syrene acrylonitrile(SAN), polycarbonate (PC), melamine formaldehyde resins or melamineresin (melamine), acrilonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and polysulfone(PS). Other exemplary plastics that can be cleaned using the compoundsand compositions include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polystyrenepolyamide.

As used herein, the term “waters” includes food process or transportwaters. Water temperatures can range from about 40° F.-160° F., about60° F.-140° F., or about 70° F.-140° F. Food process or transport watersinclude produce transport waters (e.g., as found in flumes, pipetransports, cutters, slicers, blanchers, retort systems, washers, andthe like), belt sprays for food transport lines, boot and hand-washdip-pans, third-sink rinse waters, and the like. Waters also includedomestic and recreational waters such as pools, spas, recreationalflumes and water slides, fountains, and the like.

The term “water soluble” refers to a compound that can be dissolved inwater at a concentration of more than 1 wt. %. The terms “sparinglysoluble” or “sparingly water soluble” refer to a compound that can bedissolved in water only to a concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 wt. %. The term“water insoluble” refers to a compound that can be dissolved in wateronly to a concentration of less than 0.1 wt. %.

The term “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,”and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of asubstance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight ofthe composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as usedhere, “percent,” “%,” and the like are intended to be synonymous with“weight percent,” “wt-%,” etc.

The methods and compositions of the present invention may comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients ofthe present invention as well as other ingredients described herein. Asused herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the methods andcompositions may include additional steps, components or ingredients,but only if the additional steps, components or ingredients do notmaterially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimedmethods and compositions.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the term “configured” describes a system, apparatus, orother structure that is constructed or configured to perform aparticular task or adopt a particular configuration. The term“configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases suchas arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, adapted andconfigured, adapted, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and thelike.

Acid/Anionic Compositions

Exemplary ranges of the antimicrobial compositions and virucidalcompositions are shown in Tables 1 and 2 showing liquid and solidformulations on an active concentration basis (Tables 1A and 1B) andweight percentage basis (Table 2A and 2B). Tables 1A-1B can includeformulations with a minimum acid component and deionized water toprovide required acidic pH for a ready to use formulation. The % byweight Tables 2A and 2B are shown at a 2 oz./gal dilutable liquidformulation, incorporating the range of actives outlined in Tables 1Aand 1B. When converting concentration basis to weight percentage all rawmaterials were assumed 100% active. The 2 oz./gal dilution rate providessufficient formulation space to formulate raw material to deliver up to6000 ppm of any one raw material in a use solution.

Tables 2C and 2D are shown at a 0.25-1 oz./gal dilutable liquidformulation. Tables 2E and 2F show liquid concentrate formulations.Tables 2G and 2H show ready to use liquid formulations.

Tables 1B, 2B, 2D and 2H showing ranges for both the strong acid andweak acid with a lower threshold of 0%-wt indicate that either of theacids can be included in the formulation or a combination thereof.However, within the scope of the disclosure herein at least one acid isincluded in the formulation. In exemplary embodiments, for a 2 oz./galdilutable formulation including only a strong acid would require atleast about 0.1 wt-%, whereas a 0.25-1 oz./gal dilutable formulationincluding only a strong acid would require at least about 0.3 wt-%strong acid. In an exemplary embodiment, for a 2 oz./gal dilutableformulation including only a weak acid would require at least about 0.1wt-%, whereas a 0.25-1 oz./gal dilutable formulation including only aweak acid would require at least about 0.8 wt-% weak acid. One skilledin the art can adjust % by weight of the compositions to arrive at acomposition having a different dilution rate, which is within the scopeof the disclosed compositions. Beneficially, within the ranges ofactives, the compositions can be formulated to include a nearly orcompletely waterless liquid or solid composition.

TABLE 1A First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material ppm ppm ppm ppm Acid 5-6000150-5000  225-4500  300-4000 Anionic Surfactant 10-6000  50-4000 75-2000100-1000 Water — — — — Additional Functional 0-6000  0-3000  0-2000 0-1000 Ingredients (e.g. nonionic surfactant)

TABLE 1B First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material ppm ppm ppm ppm Strong Acid0-3000 0-2000 0-1000  0-10000 Weak Acid 0-6000 0-5000 0-4500 0-4000Anionic Surfactant 10-6000  50-4000  75-2000  100-1000  Water — — — —Additional Functional 0-6000 0-3000 0-2000 0-1000 Ingredients (e.g.nonionic surfactant)

TABLE 2A First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material wt-% wt-% wt-% wt-% Acid0.1-38   1-32 1.5-29  2-26 Anionic Surfactant 0.1-38 0.3-26 0.5-130.6-6.4 Water to 100% to 100% to 100% to 100% Additional Functional  0-38%   0-19%   0-13%   0-6% Ingredients (e.g. nonionic surfactant)

TABLE 2B First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material wt-% wt-% wt-% wt-% StrongAcid 0-19 0-13 0-6  0-6 Weak Acid 0-38 0-32 0-29  0-26 AnionicSurfactant 0.1-38   0.3-26   0.5-13   0.6-6.4 Water to 100 to 100 to 100to 100 Additional Functional 0-38 0-19 0-13 0-6 Ingredients (e.g.nonionic surfactant)

TABLE 2C First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material wt-% wt-% wt-% wt-% Acid0.3-95 5-80 10-70 30-60  Anionic Surfactant 0.5-50 2.5-40   3.75-35  5-25 Water to 100% to 100% to 100% to 100% Additional Functional   0-750-50  0-40 0-25 Ingredients (e.g. nonionic surfactant)

TABLE 2D First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material wt-% wt-% wt-% wt-% StrongAcid 0-75 0-50 0-25 0-15 Weak Acid 0-95 0-80 0-70 60 Anionic Surfactant.5-50  2.5-40   3.75-35   5-25 Water to 100% to 100% to 100% to 100%Additional Functional 0-75 0-50 0-40 0-25 Ingredients (e.g. nonionicsurfactant)

TABLE 2E First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material wt-% wt-% wt-% wt-% Acid10-75  10-70  20-70  30-60  Anionic Surfactant 1-40 1-30 2-30 5-20 Waterto 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Additional Functional 0-75 0-50 0-40 0-25Ingredients (e.g. nonionic surfactant)

TABLE 2F First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material wt-% wt-% wt-% wt-% Weak Acid8-55 10-50  10-50  20-45  Strong Acid 2-20 4-20 5-20 8-20 AnionicSurfactant 1-40 1-30 2-30 5-20 Nonionic Surfactant 0-20 0-15 0.1-15  1-10 Water to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Additional Functional 0-75 0-500-40 0-25 Ingredients (e.g. nonionic surfactant)

TABLE 2G First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material ppm ppm ppm ppm Acid  5-10,000 50-5000 50-4000  50-2000 Anionic Surfactant 10-6000 50-400075-2000 100-1000 Water and additional Added to Added to Added to Addedto functional ingredients 100% 100% 100% 100%

TABLE 2H First Second Third Fourth Exemplary Exemplary ExemplaryExemplary Range Range Range Range Material ppm ppm ppm ppm Strong Acid 0-3000 0-2000 0-1000  0-1000 Weak Acid   0-10,000 0-5000 0-4000  0-2000Anionic Surfactant 10-6000 50-4000  75-2000  100-1000 Water andadditional Added to Added to Added to Added to functional ingredients100% 100% 100% 100%

The antimicrobial compositions and virucidal compositions may includeconcentrate compositions which can be diluted to form use compositionsor ready to use (RTU) compositions. Beneficially, the compositionsovercome a limitation of the prior art in that dilutable concentratescan be provided. In general, a concentrate refers to a composition thatis intended to be diluted with water to provide a use solution thatcontacts an object to provide the desired cleaning, antimicrobialefficacy, or the like. The antimicrobial composition and virucidalcomposition that contacts the articles can be referred to as aconcentrate or a use composition (or use solution) dependent upon theformulation employed in the methods described herein. It should beunderstood that the concentration of the acids, anionic surfactant(s),and any additional functional ingredients, such as nonionic surfactants,in the composition will vary depending on whether the composition isprovided as a concentrate or as a use solution.

A use solution may be prepared from the concentrate by diluting theconcentrate with water at a dilution ratio that provides a use solutionhaving desired detersive properties. The water that is used to dilutethe concentrate to form the use composition can be referred to as waterof dilution or a diluent, and can vary from one location to another. Thetypical dilution factor is between approximately 1 and approximately10,000. In an embodiment, the concentrate is diluted at a ratio ofbetween about 1:10 and about 1:10,000 concentrate to water, betweenabout 1:10 and about 1:1,000 concentrate to water, or between about 1:10and about 1:510 concentrate to water.

In another aspect, a concentrate can be diluted at a rate of from about⅛ oz./gal. to about 2 oz./gal., from about ¼ oz./gal. to about 1oz./gal., or from about ½ oz./gal. to about 1 oz./gal while providingfood contact sanitizing efficacy. In an aspect, the dilutableconcentrate compositions provide a use solution pH from about 1.5 toabout 4, from about 2 to about 4, from about 2.2 to about 3.5, or fromabout 2.5 to about 3.5, including a ranges therebetween.

The liquid compositions can be provided in various forms wellappreciated by those skilled in the art. The compositions can also bemanufactured to include a saturated antimicrobial wipe, such as a paperor cloth substrate having the liquid compositions saturated thereon.

The solid compositions can be provided in various forms well appreciatedby those skilled in the art. The compositions can be manufactured toinclude a solid block, including pressed solid, cast solid, or the like.Various forms and sizes of the solids can be included in addition tosolid blocks, including for example, pucks, tablets, powders, and thelike.

Acid

The compositions include at least one acid. In embodiments, thecompositions include two acids. In such an aspect, the acids can be acombination of a weak acid and a strong acid. For the purposes of thisinvention, an acid is a component that can be added to an aqueous systemand result in a pH less than 7. Strong acids that can be used are acidswhich substantially dissociate an aqueous solution. “Weak” organic andinorganic acids are acids or acid components in which the firstdissociation step of a proton from the acid moiety does not proceedessentially to completion when the acid is dissolved in water at ambienttemperatures at a concentration within the range useful to form thepresent compositions.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, the acids of the compositionsserve to protonate the carboxylate functionalities on the phospholipidmembrane of bacteria and reduce the tendency of the membrane toelectronically repel anionic surfactants included in the antimicrobialcompositions and virucidal compositions. With respect to viruses, theacids are believed to affect the lipid envelope and/or capsid in thesame manner. Moreover, the acids disclosed herein facilitate thecreation of a low pH buffer on the surface of a substrate, therebyprolonging the residual antimicrobial and virucidal activity of thecompositions and products in which they are incorporated.

Exemplary strong acids suitable for use in the compositions includemethane sulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydrogen sulfate,phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, nitric acid, sulfamic acid,hydrochloric acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, glutamic acid, and the like; alkane sulfonic acid, suchas methane sulfonic acid, ethane sulfonic acid, linear alkyl benzenesulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, cumene sulfonic acid and the like.In a preferred aspect, the compositions include a strong acid having apKa less than about 2.5 to beneficially provide the acidic usecompositions having a pH less than about 4, or preferably less thanabout 3. In an embodiment, the compositions include a strong acid incombination with the anionic surfactant, and optionally include a weakacid.

Exemplary weak acids suitable for use in the compositions includingalpha hydroxycarboxylic acid, such as lactic acid, citric acid, tartaricacid, malic acid, gluconic acid, and the like; carboxylic acids, such asformic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and the like; other commonorganic acids such as ascorbic acid, glutamic acid, levulinic acid, etc.could also be used. In a preferred aspect, the compositions include aweak acid having a pKa greater than about 2.5 to beneficially providethe acidic use compositions having a pH less than about 4, or preferablyless than about 3. In an embodiment, the compositions include a weakacid in combination with the anionic surfactant, and optionally includea strong acid.

In some embodiments, the compositions do not include fatty acids.

In certain embodiments, a combination of a strong acid with a weak acidresult in surprisingly increased antimicrobial and virucidal efficiency.In a preferred embodiment, the acids comprise lactic acid and methanesulfonic acid. Without being limited to a particular mechanism ofaction, it may be desirable to have a buffered acidic composition. Forexample, if a surface in need of treatment is not sufficiently cleanedthe compositions have a buffered composition by virtue of a combinationof weak and strong acids will beneficially be able to supportinactivation of pH sensitive organisms.

In an aspect, the compositions having about a 2 oz./gal dilution includefrom about 0.1 wt-% to about 50 wt-% of at least one acid, from about0.1 wt-% to about 38 wt-% of at least one acid, from about 1 wt-% toabout 32 wt-% of at least one acid, from about 1.5 wt-% to about 29 wt-%of at least one acid, or from about 2 wt-% to about 26 wt-% of at leastone acid, in addition to the ranges set forth in Tables above. Inaddition, without being limited according to the invention, all rangesrecited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include eachinteger within the defined range.

In an aspect, the compositions having about a 0.25-1 oz./gal dilutioninclude from about 0.3 wt-% to about 95 wt-% of at least one acid, fromabout 1 wt-% to about 90 wt-% of at least one acid, from about 5 wt-% toabout 80 wt-% of at least one acid, from about 10 wt-% to about 70 wt-%of at least one acid, or from about 30 wt-% to about 60 wt-% of at leastone acid, in addition to the ranges set forth in Tables above. Inaddition, without being limited according to the invention, all rangesrecited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include eachinteger within the defined range.

In certain aspect, the compositions having about a 2 oz./gal dilutioninclude from about 0.1 wt-% to about 20 wt-% of a strong acid, fromabout 0.1 wt-% to about 19 wt-% of a strong acid, from about 0.1 wt-% toabout 13 wt-% of a strong acid, or from about 0.1 wt-% to about 6 wt-%of a strong acid, in combination with a weak acid, wherein thecompositions include from about 0.1 wt-% to about 40 wt-% of a weakacid, from about 0.1 wt-% to about 38 wt-% of a weak acid, from about0.1 wt-% to about 32 wt-% of a weak acid, from about 0.1 wt-% to about29 wt-% of a weak acid, or from about 0.1 wt-% to about 26 wt-% of aweak acid, in addition to the ranges set forth in Tables above. Inaddition, without being limited according to the invention, all rangesrecited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include eachinteger within the defined range.

In certain aspect, the compositions having about a 0.25-1 oz./galdilution include from about 0.1 wt-% to about 75 wt-% of a strong acid,from about 0.1 wt-% to about 75 wt-% of a strong acid, from about 0.1wt-% to about 50 wt-% of a strong acid, from about 0.1 wt-% to about 25wt-% of a strong acid, or from about 0.1 wt-% to about 15 wt-% of astrong acid, in combination with a weak acid, wherein the compositionsinclude from about 0.1 wt-% to about 95 wt-% of a weak acid, from about0.1 wt-% to about 80 wt-% of a weak acid, from about 0.1 wt-% to about70 wt-% of a weak acid, or from about 0.1 wt-% to about 60 wt-% of aweak acid, in addition to the ranges set forth in Tables above. Inaddition, without being limited according to the invention, all rangesrecited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include eachinteger within the defined range.

In certain aspects, the compositions before any dilution include fromabout 10 wt-% to about 75 wt-% acids (including strong and/or weakacids), from about 15 wt-% to about 75 wt-% acids, from about 20 wt-% toabout 75 wt-% acids, from about 30 wt-% to about 75 wt-% acids, fromabout 30 wt-% to about 70 wt-% acids, from about 40 wt-% to about 70wt-% acids, or from about 40 wt-% to about 60 wt-% acids. In addition,without being limited according to the invention, all ranges recited areinclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integerwithin the defined range. In certain aspects, the compositions at aready to use concentration include from about 5 ppm to about 10,000 ppmacids (including strong and/or weak acids), from about 50 ppm to about5,000 ppm acids, 50 ppm to about 4,000 ppm acids, or from about 50 ppmto about 2,000 ppm acids.

In certain aspects, the compositions at a ready to use concentrationinclude from about 0 ppm to about 3,000 ppm strong acid, from about 0ppm to about 2,000 ppm strong acid, 0 ppm to about 1,000 ppm strongacid, or from about 0 ppm to about 1,000 ppm strong acid. In certainaspects, the compositions at a ready to use concentration include fromabout 0 ppm to about 10,000 ppm weak acid, from about 0 ppm to about5,000 ppm weak acid, 0 ppm to about 4,000 ppm weak acid, or from about 0ppm to about 2,000 ppm weak acid. In addition, without being limitedaccording to the invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of thenumbers defining the range and include each integer within the definedrange.

Anionic Surfactants

The compositions include at least one anionic surfactant. Inembodiments, the compositions include two anionic surfactants. Inembodiments, the compositions include more than two anionic surfactants.Anionic surfactants are surface active substances which are categorizedby the negative charge on the hydrophobe; or surfactants in which thehydrophobic section of the molecule carries no charge unless the pH iselevated to neutrality or above (e.g. carboxylic acids). Carboxylate,sulfonate, sulfate and phosphate are the polar (hydrophilic)solubilizing groups found in anionic surfactants. Of the cations(counter ions) associated with these polar groups, sodium, lithium andpotassium impart water solubility; ammonium and substituted ammoniumions provide both water and oil solubility; and, calcium, barium, andmagnesium promote oil solubility.

Anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use in the compositions alsoinclude alkyl sulfonates, the linear and branched primary and secondaryalkyl sulfonates, and the aromatic sulfonates with or withoutsubstituents. In an aspect, sulfonates include sulfonated carboxylicacid esters. In an aspect, suitable alkyl sulfonate surfactants includeC8-C22 alkyl sulfonates, or preferably C10-C22 alkyl sulfonates. In anexemplary aspect, the anionic alkyl sulfonate surfactant is linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LAS). In a preferred embodiment employing LAS asthe anionic surfactant, the compositions are most effective at pH 3.0 orbelow.

Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use in the compositions alsoinclude alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, the linear and branchedprimary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, fatty oleylglycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, theC₅-C₁₇ acyl-N—(C₁-C₄ alkyl) and —N—(C₁-C₂ hydroxyalkyl) glucaminesulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates ofalkylpolyglucoside, and the like. Also included are the alkyl sulfates,alkyl poly(ethyleneoxy) ether sulfates and aromatic poly(ethyleneoxy)sulfates such as the sulfates or condensation products of ethylene oxideand nonyl phenol (usually having 1 to 6 oxyethylene groups permolecule).

Additional anionic surfactants suitable for the compositions includeanionic carboxylate surfactants, those which have a carboxylic acid oran alpha hydroxyl acid group. Anionic carboxylate surfactants suitablefor use in the compositions also include carboxylic acids (and salts),such as alkanoic acids (and alkanoates), ester carboxylic acids(including sulfonated carboxylic acid esters), ether carboxylic acids,sulfonated fatty acids, such as sulfonated oleic acid, and the like. Inan aspect, suitable ester carboxylic acids include alkyl succinates,such as for example dioctyl sulfosuccinate. Such carboxylates includealkyl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl aryl ethoxy carboxylates, alkylpolyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and soaps (e.g. alkyl carboxyls).Secondary carboxylates useful in the compositions include those whichcontain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon. The secondarycarbon can be in a ring structure, e.g. as in p-octyl benzoic acid, oras in alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates. The secondarycarboxylate surfactants typically contain no ether linkages, no esterlinkages and no hydroxyl groups. Further, they typically lack nitrogenatoms in the head-group (amphiphilic portion). Suitable secondarysurfactants typically contain 11-13 total carbon atoms, although morecarbons atoms (e.g., up to 16) can be present. Suitable carboxylatesalso include acylamino acids (and salts), such as acylgluamates, acylpeptides, sarcosinates (e.g. N-acyl sarcosinates), taurates (e.g. N-acyltaurates and fatty acid amides of methyl tauride), and the like.

Suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxycarboxylates of the following formula:R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)(CH₂)_(m)—CO₂X  (3)in which R is a C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl group or

in which R¹ is a C₄-C₁₆ alkyl group; n is an integer of 1-20; m is aninteger of 1-3; and X is a counter ion, such as hydrogen, sodium,potassium, lithium, ammonium, or an amine salt such as monoethanolamine,diethanolamine or triethanolamine. In some embodiments, n is an integerof 4 to 10 and m is 1. In some embodiments, R is a C₈-C₁₆ alkyl group.In some embodiments, R is a C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl group, n is 4, and m is 1.

In other embodiments, R is

and R¹ is a C₆-C₁₂ alkyl group. In still yet other embodiments, R¹ is aC₉ alkyl group, n is 10 and m is 1.

Another class of anionic surfactant include the alpha sulfonatedcarboxylic acid esters, such as MC or PC-48 from Stepan.

In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant does not include asulfonate surfactant.

In an aspect, the compositions having about a 2 oz./gal dilution includefrom about 0.1 wt-% to about 40 wt-% of at least one anionic surfactant,from about 0.1 wt-% to about 38 wt-% of at least one anionic surfactant,from about 0.3 wt-% to about 26 wt-% of at least one anionic surfactant,from about 0.5 wt-% to about 13 wt-% of at least one anionic surfactant,or from about 0.6 wt-% to about 6.4 wt-% of at least one anionicsurfactant. In addition, without being limited according to theinvention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining therange and include each integer within the defined range.

In an aspect, the compositions having about a 0.25-1 oz./gal dilutioninclude from about 0.2 wt-% to about 50 wt-% of at least one anionicsurfactant, from about 1 wt-% to about 40 wt-% of at least one anionicsurfactant, from about 2 wt-% to about 30 wt-% of at least one anionicsurfactant, or from about 2.5 wt-% to about 25 wt-% of at least oneanionic surfactant. In addition, without being limited according to theinvention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining therange and include each integer within the defined range.

Additional Functional Ingredients

The components of the antimicrobial compositions and virucidalcompositions can further be combined with various additional functionalcomponents. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial composition andvirucidal composition including the at least one acid and at least oneanionic surfactant make up a large amount, or even substantially all ofthe total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodimentsfew or no additional functional ingredients are included therein.

In other embodiments, additional functional ingredients may be includedin the compositions. The functional ingredients provide desiredproperties and functionalities to the compositions. For the purpose ofthis application, the term “functional ingredient” includes a materialthat when dispersed or dissolved in a use and/or concentrate solution,such as an aqueous solution, provides a beneficial property in aparticular use. Some particular examples of functional materials arediscussed in more detail below, although the particular materialsdiscussed are given by way of example only, and that a broad variety ofother functional ingredients may be used.

In preferred embodiments, the compositions do not include quaternaryammonium compounds. In additional embodiments, the compositions do notinclude conventional Norovirus actives, including for example, ethanol,silver citrate, and/or electrolytic chlorine. In additional embodimentsthe compositions do not include alcohols and/or other organic solventsto beneficially provide a non-flammable product. In other embodiments,the compositions may include solidifying agents, defoaming agents,wetting agents, anti-redeposition agents, solubility modifiers,dispersants, rinse aids, metal protecting agents, stabilizing agents,corrosion inhibitors, sequestrants and/or chelating agents, thresholdagent, fragrances and/or dyes, rheology modifiers or thickeners,hydrotropes or couplers, buffers, solvents, sensor indicators, and thelike.

Surfactants

In some embodiments, the compositions include an additional surfactant.Surfactants suitable for use with the compositions include, but are notlimited to, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and/orzwitterionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the compositions includeabout 0 wt-% to about 40 wt-%, between about 0.1 wt-% to about 38 wt-%,between about 1 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, between about 1 wt-% to about 15wt-% additional surfactant, or between about 1 wt-% to about 6 wt-%additional surfactant.

Nonionic Surfactants

Suitable nonionic surfactants suitable for use with the compositions ofthe present invention include alkoxylated surfactants. Suitablealkoxylated surfactants include EO/PO copolymers, capped EO/POcopolymers, alcohol alkoxylates, capped alcohol alkoxylates, mixturesthereof, or the like. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants for use assolvents include EO/PO block copolymers, such as the Pluronic andreverse Pluronic surfactants; alcohol alkoxylates, such as Dehypon LS-54(R-(EO)₅(PO)₄) and Dehypon LS-36 (R-(EO)₃(PO)₆); and capped alcoholalkoxylates, such as Plurafac LF221 and Tegoten EC11; mixtures thereof,or the like.

In an exemplary aspect, a nonionic surfactant available on the marketunder the trade name of “Pluronic” is included as an additionalsurfactant in the compositions. These compounds are formed by condensingethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation ofpropylene oxide with propylene glycol. The hydrophobic portion of themolecule has a molecular weight of from about 1,500 to 1,800. Theaddition of polyoxyethylene radicals to this hydrophobic portion tendsto increase the water solubility of the molecule as a whole and theliquid character of the products is retained up to the point where thepolyoxyethylene content is about 50 percent of the total weight of thecondensation product.

The semi-polar type of nonionic surface active agents is another classof nonionic surfactant useful in compositions of the present invention.Semi-polar nonionic surfactants include the amine oxides, phosphineoxides, sulfoxides and their alkoxylated derivatives.

Amine oxides are tertiary amine oxides corresponding to the generalformula:

wherein the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond;and, R¹, R², and R³ may be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic,or combinations thereof. Generally, for amine oxides of detergentinterest, R¹ is an alkyl radical of from about 8 to about 24 carbonatoms; R² and R³ are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1-3 carbon atoms or amixture thereof; R² and R³ can be attached to each other, e.g. throughan oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure; R⁴ is an alkyleneor a hydroxyalkylene group containing 2 to 3 carbon atoms; and n rangesfrom 0 to about 20. An amine oxide can be generated from thecorresponding amine and an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide.

Useful water soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from theoctyl, decyl, dodecyl, isododecyl, coconut, or tallow alkyl di-(loweralkyl) amine oxides, specific examples of which are octyldimethylamineoxide, nonyldimethylamine oxide, decyldimethylamine oxide,undecyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldimethylamine oxide,iso-dodecyldimethyl amine oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide,tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine oxide,hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide,octadecyldimethylaine oxide, dodecyldipropylamine oxide,tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine oxide,tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide,bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide,bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide,dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamineoxide and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.

Amphoteric Surfactants

Amphoteric, or ampholytic, surfactants contain both a basic and anacidic hydrophilic group and an organic hydrophobic group. These ionicentities may be any of anionic or cationic groups described herein forother types of surfactants. A basic nitrogen and an acidic carboxylategroup are the typical functional groups employed as the basic and acidichydrophilic groups. In a few surfactants, sulfonate, sulfate,phosphonate or phosphate provide the negative charge.

Amphoteric surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives ofaliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, in which the aliphatic radicalmay be straight chain or branched and wherein one of the aliphaticsubstituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one containsan anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfo, sulfato,phosphato, or phosphono. Amphoteric surfactants are subdivided into twomajor classes known to those of skill in the art and described in“Surfactant Encyclopedia” Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104 (2) 69-71(1989), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thefirst class includes acyl/dialkyl ethylenediamine derivatives (e.g.2-alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline derivatives) and their salts. Thesecond class includes N-alkylamino acids and their salts. Someamphoteric surfactants can be envisioned as fitting into both classes.

Amphoteric surfactants can be synthesized by methods known to those ofskill in the art. For example, 2-alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline issynthesized by condensation and ring closure of a long chain carboxylicacid (or a derivative) with dialkyl ethylenediamine. Commercialamphoteric surfactants are derivatized by subsequent hydrolysis andring-opening of the imidazoline ring by alkylation—for example withchloroacetic acid or ethyl acetate. During alkylation, one or twocarboxy-alkyl groups react to form a tertiary amine and an ether linkagewith differing alkylating agents yielding different tertiary amines.

Long chain imidazole derivatives having application in the presentinvention generally have the general formula:

wherein R is an acyclic hydrophobic group containing from about 8 to 18carbon atoms and M is a cation to neutralize the charge of the anion,generally sodium. Commercially prominent imidazoline-derived amphotericsthat can be employed in the present compositions include for example:Cocoamphopropionate, Cocoamphocarboxy-propionate, Cocoamphoglycinate,Cocoamphocarboxy-glycinate, Cocoamphopropyl-sulfonate, andCocoamphocarboxy-propionic acid. Amphocarboxylic acids can be producedfrom fatty imidazolines in which the dicarboxylic acid functionality ofthe amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid and/or dipropionic acid.

The carboxymethylated compounds (glycinates) described herein abovefrequently are called betaines. Betaines are a special class ofamphoteric discussed herein below in the section entitled, ZwitterionSurfactants.

Long chain N-alkylamino acids are readily prepared by reaction RNH₂, inwhich R═C₈-C₁₈ straight or branched chain alkyl, fatty amines withhalogenated carboxylic acids. Alkylation of the primary amino groups ofan amino acid leads to secondary and tertiary amines. Alkyl substituentsmay have additional amino groups that provide more than one reactivenitrogen center. Most commercial N-alkylamine acids are alkylderivatives of beta-alanine or beta-N(2-carboxyethyl) alanine. Examplesof commercial N-alkylamino acid ampholytes having application in thisinvention include alkyl beta-amino dipropionates, RN(C₂H₄COOM)₂ andRNHC₂H₄COOM. In an embodiment, R can be an acyclic hydrophobic groupcontaining from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and M is a cation toneutralize the charge of the anion.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconutproducts such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acid. Additional suitablecoconut derived surfactants include as part of their structure anethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety,e.g., glycine, or a combination thereof; and an aliphatic substituent offrom about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such a surfactant can alsobe considered an alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid. These amphotericsurfactants can include chemical structures represented as:C₁₂-alkyl-C(O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺(CH₂—CH₂—CO₂Na)₂—CH₂—CH₂—OH orC₁₂-alkyl-C(O)—N(H)—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺(CH₂—CO₂Na)₂—CH₂—CH₂—OH. Disodiumcocoampho dipropionate is one suitable amphoteric surfactant and iscommercially available under the tradename Miranol™ FBS from RhodiaInc., Cranbury, N.J. Another suitable coconut derived amphotericsurfactant with the chemical name disodium cocoampho diacetate is soldunder the tradename Mirataine™ JCHA, also from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury,N.J.

A typical listing of amphoteric classes, and species of thesesurfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin andHeuring on Dec. 30, 1975. Further examples are given in “Surface ActiveAgents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

Zwitterionic Surfactants

Zwitterionic surfactants can be thought of as a subset of the amphotericsurfactants and can include an anionic charge. Zwitterionic surfactantscan be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiaryamines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, orderivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiarysulfonium compounds. Typically, a zwitterionic surfactant includes apositive charged quaternary ammonium or, in some cases, a sulfonium orphosphonium ion; a negative charged carboxyl group; and an alkyl group.Zwitterionics generally contain cationic and anionic groups which ionizeto a nearly equal degree in the isoelectric region of the molecule andwhich can develop strong “inner-salt” attraction betweenpositive-negative charge centers. Examples of such zwitterionicsynthetic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternaryammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds, in which the aliphaticradicals can be straight chain or branched, and wherein one of thealiphatic substituents contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and onecontains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate,sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate.

Betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary zwitterionic surfactantsfor use herein. A general formula for these compounds is:

wherein R¹ contains an alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkyl radical of from 8to 18 carbon atoms having from 0 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties and from0 to 1 glyceryl moiety; Y is selected from the group consisting ofnitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur atoms; R² is an alkyl or monohydroxyalkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; x is 1 when Y is a sulfuratom and 2 when Y is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom, R³ is an alkylene orhydroxy alkylene or hydroxy alkylene of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Zis a radical selected from the group consisting of carboxylate,sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, and phosphate groups.

Examples of zwitterionic surfactants having the structures listed aboveinclude:4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylaonio]-butane-1-carboxylate;5-[S-3-hydroxypropyl-S-hexadecylsulfonio]-3-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate;3-[P,P-diethyl-P-3,6,9-trioxatetracosanephosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane-1-phosphate;3-[N,N-dipropyl-N-3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl-ammonio]-propane-1-phosphonate;3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate;3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propane-1-sulfonate;4-[N,N-di(2(2-hydroxyethyl)-N(2-hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate;3-[S-ethyl-S-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphate;3-[P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio]-propane-1-phosphonate; andS[N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecylammonio]-2-hydroxy-pentane-1-sulfate.The alkyl groups contained in said detergent surfactants can be straightor branched and saturated or unsaturated.

The zwitterionic surfactant suitable for use in the present compositionsincludes a betaine of the general structure:

These surfactant betaines typically do not exhibit strong cationic oranionic characters at pH extremes nor do they show reduced watersolubility in their isoelectric range. Unlike “external” quaternaryammonium salts, betaines are compatible with anionics. Examples ofsuitable betaines include coconut acylamidopropyldimethyl betaine;hexadecyl dimethyl betaine; C₁₂₋₁₄ acylamidopropylbetaine; C₈₋₁₄acylamidohexyldiethyl betaine; 4-C₁₄₋₁₆acylmethylamidodiethylammonio-1-carboxybutane; C₁₆₋₁₈acylamidodimethylbetaine; C₁₂₋₁₆ acylamidopentanediethylbetaine; andC₁₂₋₁₆ acylmethylamidodimethylbetaine.

Sultaines useful in the present invention include those compounds havingthe formula (R(R¹)₂N+R²SO³⁻, in which R is a C₆-C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group,each R¹ is typically independently C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g. methyl, and R² is aC₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl group, e.g. a C₁-C₃ alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group.

A typical listing of zwitterionic classes, and species of thesesurfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin andHeuring on Dec. 30, 1975. Further examples are given in “Surface ActiveAgents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).Each of these references is herein incorporated in their entirety.

In an embodiment, the compositions of the present invention include abetaine. For example, the compositions can include cocoamido propylbetaine.

Defoaming Agents

Defoaming agents can also be included in the compositions. Generally,defoamers which can be used in accordance with the invention preferablyinclude alcohol alkoxylates and EO/PO block copolymers. Defoamers canalso include polyalkylene glycol condensates and propyl glycols,including polypropyl glycol. In some embodiments, the compositions caninclude antifoaming agents or defoamers which are of food grade qualitygiven the application of the methods. To this end, one of the moreeffective antifoaming agents includes silicones. Silicones such asdimethyl silicone, glycol polysiloxane, methylphenol polysiloxane,trialkyl or tetralkyl silanes, hydrophobic silica defoamers and mixturesthereof can all be used in defoaming applications. These defoamers canbe present at a concentration range from about 0.01 wt-% to 20 wt-%,0.01 wt-% to 20 wt-%, from about 0.01 wt-% to 5 wt-%, or from about 0.01wt-% to about 1 wt-%.

Methods of Use

The antimicrobial compositions and virucidal compositions areparticularly well suited for treating surfaces in need of antimicrobialefficacy, including for example virucidal efficacy. In further aspects,the antimicrobial compositions and virucidal compositions are stillfurther well suited for treating surfaces in need of virucidal efficacyagainst small, non-eveloped viruses, large, non-enveloped viruses and/orany enveloped viruses. In a particular, aspect, the antimicrobialcompositions and virucidal compositions are particularly well suited fortreating surfaces in need of inactivating small, non-eveloped virusesincluding Norovirus. Accordingly, methods of using an antimicrobial areencompassed according to the present disclosure. Methods of inactivatinga virus are also encompassed according to the present disclosure.Methods of inactivating a small, non-enveloped virus are alsoencompassed according to the present disclosure. Still further, methodsof inactivating a Norovirus are encompassed according to the presentdisclosure.

The methods of use for antimicrobial, including antiviral, disinfectionalong with inactivating viruses, include a contacting step, wherein theantimicrobial compositions and virucidal compositions disclosed hereinare applied to a surface in need of treatment. In an aspect, contactingthe composition is to a surface contaminated with a virus, includingenveloped and non-enveloped viruses, such as a calciform virus includingNorovirus. In a preferred aspect, the methods of use provide completekill of Norovirus. Beneficially, in an aspect, complete kill ofNorovirus on a surface is achieved with a contact time of less than 10minutes, less than 5 minutes, less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute,or less than 30 seconds.

In a further aspect, contacting the composition is to a surfacecontaminated with a biofilm. As referred to herein, a biofilm is oftenformed on surfaces in contact with water, providing a hydrated matrix ofpolysaccharides to provide structural protection from biocides andantimicrobial agents, making biofilm more difficult to kill than otherpathogens. The contacting step can include providing the antimicrobialcompositions and/or virucidal compositions to a hard surface in contactwith biofilm, such as for example, walls, floors, sinks, countertops,drain lines, pipes and other plumbing surfaces, tubes and valves andlike. Exemplary industries in which the methods and compositions may beused include, but are not limited to, institutional industries,including hotels, housekeeping and foodservice; food processing; watercare industries; janitorial industries; and health care. According toembodiments of the methods, the contacting step reduces and/oreliminating biofilm growth produced by a wide variety of bacteria andother microorganisms. For example, according to an embodiment, themethods for treating a biofilm are effective for biofilm comprising avariety of pathogens, such as both gram positive and negative bacteria,including for example Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeriamonocytogenes.

In a further aspect, contacting the antimicrobial composition and/or andvirucidal composition can be to a food contact and/or non-food contacthard surface. Such surfaces can further include instruments, such asmedical instruments. Surfaces can also include those cleaned inthird-sink sanitizing, including various wares. In still furtheraspects, contacting the composition can be to a CIP (clean in place)application.

In still further aspects, contacting the composition can be to a warewash machine, such as a ware wash application.

In still further aspects, contacting the composition can be to a thirdsink sanitizing application. In a still further aspect, the contactingis beneficially compatible with first sink detergents, such that a thirdsink sanitizing step could be used as a water recycle to combine with afirst sink detergent. This is a benefit over conventional compositionscontaining quaternary ammonium compounds which are not compatible withfirst sink detergents.

In still further aspects, contacting the composition can be to a tissuesurface, including tissue treatment applications. Exemplary tissuesurfaces include mammalian skin, such as animal or human skin, includingfor example human hands.

The various surfaces to which the compositions can be applied caninclude any conventional application means. Application can include, forexample, by wiping, spraying, dipping, immersing, or the like. Thecontacting can also include providing a solid to be first dissolved inwater to form a solution for the contacting. The contacting step allowsthe composition to contact the soiled surface for a predetermined amountof time. The amount of time can be sufficient to allow, including from afew seconds to an hour, from about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes, orany range therebetween. The methods may comprise a single step ofapplying the composition onto the surface without direct physicalremoval, such as a rinse step. Beneficially, the compositions provide ano-rinse application.

In some aspects, the methods can further include a precleaning step,such as where a cleaning compositions is applied, wiped and/or rinsed,and thereafter followed by the applying of the compositions. Thecompositions and methods of use thereof can include treating cleaned orsoiled surfaces. In some embodiments the amount of contact time betweenthe composition and the surface is sufficient to reduce the populationof microorganisms (including Norovirus) on or in a biofilm-soiledsurface to provide greater than a 90% reduction (1-log order reduction),greater than 99% reduction (2-log order reduction) in such population,greater than 99.9% reduction (3-log order reduction) in such population,greater than 99.99% reduction (4-log order reduction) in suchpopulations, or greater than a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction)in the population of microorganisms and pathogens.

Beneficially, the methods do not require a rinse step. In an aspect, thecompositions are food contact approved and do not require a rinse step.As a further benefit, the methods do not cause corrosion and/orinterfere with surfaces (e.g. hazy, dull or other negative aestheticeffects on the surface).

The methods can optionally include the use of various sensors and/orindicators. In an aspect, the level of active ingredients in usesolution can be monitored by various ways. In one approach, the criticalpH of the solution at which the product will start to lose its biocidalefficacy significantly is visually indicated by a color change, and thecolor change is achieved by choosing a dye that show dramatic colorchange at this pH. The dye could be simply incorporated into theproduct, and preferably the dye is incorporated into a polymericsubstrate to form a color change strip, and the strip will put in thecontainer, for example the 3^(rd) sink to show the color change when thesolution pass the critical pH value. Additionally, the level of anionicsurfactants in use solution could also be monitored by a similar manner,where a color change will indicate the critical concentration of anionicsurfactant needed for biocidal efficacy.

In an additional embodiment, as an alternative to visual indicators,properties of the use solution including pH, anionic activity,fluorescence, and/or conductivity can be monitored by sensors thatprovide a visual or audible signal when the solution is no longer withina specified range. In some embodiments, a marker molecule can be addedto the composition, where the change of the active ingredients in theuse solution will trigger the physical and/or chemical property changesof the marker molecule, and the change is quantified through a signalprocessing.

As a further benefit over the use of quaternary ammonium compounds asare found in various conventional antimicrobial compositions, theantimicrobial and antiviral compositions disclosed herein do not adsorbon the treated surfaces, such as soft surfaces, including for example,microfiber cloths, mops, coated surfaces, etc.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated as incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in thefollowing non-limiting Examples. It should be understood that theseExamples, while indicating certain embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and theseExamples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essentialcharacteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spiritand scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of theembodiments of the invention to adapt it to various usages andconditions. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of theinvention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of theappended claims.

Norovirus Test Protocol. (Examples 1-4)

Samples were prepared to provide the active level of chemistry listed inthe tables in 400 ppm hard synthetic water. Synthetic water was AOAChard water of 400 ppm calcium carbonate. The pH of these solutions wasmeasured and recorded.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) strain VR782 is the surrogate for norovirusefficacy evaluations and tested following ASTM E1053-11 5% Fetal BovineSerum was selected as the organic soil. Chemistry was tested induplicate over three different tests for a total of six replicates withcomplete inactivation (no surviving organisms) required of allreplicates to be considered a passing result. In Examples 1-4, the virustiter was 6.5-7 log. If a failure was observed before six replicateswere tested the test was ended and reported as a failure. Examples 1-4show a high challenge test that identifies chemistries that are robustlyable to reduce viral populations in support of public health and foodsafety interests.

The following abbreviations are used in the Examples for components ofevaluated formulations:

-   -   LAS: anionic surfactant, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid    -   MSA: acid, methane sulfonic acid    -   DOS: anionic surfactant, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate SAS:        acid, sodium bisulfate    -   Pluronic F68: nonionic surfactant, difunctional block copolymer        surfactant ending in primary hydroxyl groups    -   Pluronic 17R4: nonionic surfactant, difunctional block copolymer        surfactant, Poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene        glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol), PPG-PEG-PPG    -   SXS: hydrotope, sodium xylenesulfonate

Example 1

Five Minute Efficacy Evaluations. Samples were prepared in 400 ppmsynthetic water (SW) with the active level of chemistry outlined inTable 3. Efficacy of compositions was evaluated with a 5 minute contacttime according to the norovirus test protocol outlined above.Composition 1-2 utilizing a blend of weak acid (lactic) and strong acid(MSA) was able to provide complete inactivation of the test organismwhile Composition 1-1 utilizing only a strong acid (sulfuric acid) didnot provide complete inactivation of the test organism, despite thecompositions having very similar pH values (2.4 and 2.5, respectively).

TABLE 3 Sulfuric Lactic Pluronic pH in 5 Minute Sample LAS Acid Acid MSAF68 400 ppm Efficacy ID (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) SW supply Outcome1-1 400 172 0 0 200 2.5 Fail at 5 minutes 1-2 430 0 1500 395 200 2.4 3/3Pass at 5 minutes

The results indicate that acid selection impacts outcome of the efficacyagainst the test organism. Based on the results it is hypothesized thatadditional strong acid concentration in Composition 1-1 and/or theaddition of a weak acid to Composition 1-1 may result in a passingefficacy outcome. Therefore, additional testing was completed.

Example 2

30 Second Efficacy Evaluations for FCV Norovirus Contact. Samples wereprepared in 400 ppm SW with the active level of chemistry outlined inTable 4. Efficacy of the evaluated compositions was evaluated with a 30second contact time following the norovirus test protocol outlinedabove.

TABLE 4 Lactic pH Sample LAS Acid MSA 30 second efficacy in 400 ppm ID(ppm) (ppm) (ppm) outcome SW supply 1-2 430 1500 395 fail 2.4 2-2 4301500 735 fail 2.1 2-4 650 1500 490 fail 2.2 2-5 650 1500 660 pass 2.1

As shown in the table, Composition 1-2 which provided completeinactivation at a 5 minute contact time in Example 1 did not providecomplete inactivation of the test organism with a 30 second contacttime. In addition, even at a pH of 2.1, Composition 2-2 having 430 ppmLAS did not provide complete inactivation of the test organism with a 30second contact time. When LAS concentration was increased to 650 ppm,complete inactivation of the test organism was achieved at a pH of 2.1for Composition 2-5. Although complete inactivation was observed, thelow pH range may not be preferred for treatment of certain surfaces, asthe compositions prepared in a lower alkaline water supply would resultin a use solution pH below pH 2.0. Based on these results additionalevaluations were required to determine the contribution of lactic acidon efficacy performance as well as the addition of another anionicsurfactant to identify compositions having a higher pH range able tosupport a 30 second efficacy claim.

Example 3

30 Second Efficacy Evaluations for FCV Norovirus Contact—Lactic AcidEfficacy Contribution. Samples were prepared in 400 ppm SW with theactive level of chemistry outlined in Table 5. Efficacy of compositionswas evaluated with 30 second, 60 second, 1, 2, and 5 minute contacttimes following the norovirus test protocol outlined above.

TABLE 5 Lactic 30 Second 60 Second 2 Minute 5 Minute pH in Sample LASAcid MSA Efficacy Efficacy Efficacy Efficacy 400 ppm ID (ppm) (ppm)(ppm) Outcome Outcome Outcome Outcome SW supply 1-2 430 1500 395 FailFail Fail Pass 2.4 2-4 650 1500 320 Fail Fail n/a n/a 2.3 3-1 650 2250250 Fail Fail n/a n/a 2.4 3-2 650 3000 230 Pass n/a n/a n/a 2.3 3-3 5402250 290 Failure Fail n/a n/a 2.4 3-4 540 3000 180 Pass n/a n/a n/a 2.53-5 540 3000 0 Fail n/a n/a n/a 2.6 3-6 650 3000 0 Fail n/a n/a 2/2 2.6weeks pass 3-7 540 0 610 Fail n/a n/a n/a 2.3 3-8 540 4600 0 Fail n/an/a n/a 2.6

Complete inactivation of the test organism was achieved with a 30 secondtime point at a LAS concentration as low as 540 ppm when lactic acid wasincreased to 3000 ppm for Compositions 3-2 and 3-4. Completeinactivation of the test organism was not achieved with lowerconcentrations of lactic acid studied at similar or lower use solutionpH.

Example 4

Evaluation of Additional Anionic surfactant. Samples were prepared in400 ppm SW with the active level of chemistry outlined in Table 6.Efficacy of compositions was evaluated with a 30 second and 60 secondcontact time following the norovirus test protocol outlined above.

TABLE 6 Lactic Pluronic pH in Efficacy Efficacy Sample LAS DOS Acid MSAF68 400 ppm outcome outcome ID (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) SW supply30 seconds 60 seconds 1-2 430 0 1500 395 200 2.4 Failed Failed 4-1 400400 1500 470 200 2.4 Failed Pass

The results show that incorporating a second anionic into Composition4-1 supported complete inactivation of the test organism at a 60 secondcontact time.

Example 5

Cleaning Performance Evaluations of Residues from the CleaningComposition. Samples were prepared in 5 grain water with the activelevel of chemistry outlined in Table 7. 0.5 g of test substance wasadded to a piece of cheesecloth. The hard surface was wiped and allowedto air dry (about 10 minutes). A visual assessment of the surface wasranked on a scale of 1-5 with 1 having the best appearance.

TABLE 7 Lactic Pluronic Sample Test Active LAS Acid MSA F68 ID productsChemistry (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 5-1 PURE Silver n/a n/a n/a n/acitrate 5-2 Purell Ethanol n/a n/a n/a n/a Professional 5-3 LAS LAS 5400 590 200 590 ppm MSA 5-4 LAS LAS 540 4600  0 200 4600 ppm LA 5-5 LAS 6ALAS 540 3000 180 200

As shown in FIG. 1, the LAS and acid cleaning compositions according toembodiments of the disclosure show a significant visual improvement overcommercially-available products Pure and Purell on all evaluatedsurfaces. The chemistries employing a strong acid (LAS 590 ppm MSA),weak acid (LAS 4600 ppm LA), and strong/weak acid (LAS 6A) alloutperform the commercially-available products with regard to visualassessments of surface cleaning appearance. This evaluation is importantto ensure cleaning compositions do not result in, hazy or tackysurfaces. Although the visual assessment of the weak acid (LAS 4600 ppmLA) and strong/weak acid (LAS 6A) compositions ranked equivalently,there were preferred results obtained for the strong/weak acid (LAS 6A)due to formulations benefits obtained by the combination of acids.

Example 6

Corrosion Evaluations. Samples were prepared in 5 grain water with theactive levels of chemistry outlined in Table 8. pH of solutions weremeasured and recorded. Test chemistry was prepared in 5 grain waterunless otherwise noted.

TABLE 8 Lactic Pluronic pH in 5 pH in Sample LAS Acid MSA F68 grain 400ppm ID (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) water SW 3-4 540 3000 180 200 2.5 2.5 3-7540 0 610 200 2.2 2.3 3-8 540 4600 0 200 2.6 2.6 6-1 PURELL (RTU, pH12.9) 6-2 PURE (RTU, pH 1.8) 6-3 5 grain water

Weight, height, width, and depth of 1″×2″ Aluminum 6061 Coupons weremeasured and recorded. Coupons were added to sample jar containing 50 mLof test chemistry and exposed for 3 days in a 50C oven. The exposuretime period is representative of approximately 5 years of life of a wareif exposed to chemistry 1 min, 2×/day, 365 days/year. After thespecified exposure period, aluminum coupons were removed from solution,rinsed with DI water, and allowed to dry. Samples were visually assessedand remeasured. The visual assessment and % change data is provided inTable 9 representing 3 day exposure results.

TABLE 9 Lactic % % % % Sample LAS Acid MSA Visual Mass Depth HeightWidth # (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) Change Change Change change Change 3-4 5403000 180 Shiny 0.00% −1.25% 0.00% 0.08% 3-7 540 0 610 Slightly 0.00%−0.63% 0.02% 0.00% Dulled 3-8 540 4600 0 Shiny 0.00% −0.63% 0.00% −0.08%6-1 PURE Brown 0.00% −0.63% 0.00% 0.20% Discoloration that washed awaywith DI rinse, Shiny 6-2 PURELL Significantly 2.41% 4.40% 0.04% 0.28%darkened, altered, dull surface 6-3 5 Grain Water Brown −0.18% −0.63%0.00% 0.24% Discoloration

As shown in Table 9, the visual changes documented show the evaluatedcompositions employing a strong acid and/or weak acid all outperform thecommercially-available Purell product with regard to lack of corrosionon the treated surfaces.

Example 7

Corrosion Evaluations with Varying Acid Pairs. Samples were prepared inDI water by making a 1 oz./gal dilution of the concentrate formulationsoutlined in Tables 10A-10C. pH of solutions were measured and recorded.Aluminum 6061 Coupons were added to a sample jar containing testchemistry and exposed for approximately 12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 1week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks' time points in a 50° C. oven. After thespecified exposure periods, aluminum coupons were removed from solution,rinsed with DI water, and allowed to dry.

TABLE 10A Formula Name A4- A4- MSA SAS LAS (96%) 5.38 5.38 Pluronic F682.58 2.58 Citric Acid 13.93 13.86 (anhydrous) MSA (70%) 8.99 0 Sodium 06.02 Bisulfate (anhydrous) Phosphoric 0 0 Acid (75%) SXS (40%) 18.174.18 DI H20 50.95 67.98

TABLE 10B Formula B1- B2- B3- B4- B1- B2- B3- B4- Name MSA MSA MSA MSASAS SAS SAS SAS LAS 5.38 5.38 5.38 5.38 5.38 5.38 5.38 5.38 Pluronic F682.58 2.58 2.58 2.58 2.58 2.58 2.58 2.58 Lactic Acid 68.90 55.98 43.0617.23 68.90 55.98 43.06 17.23 (88%) MSA (70%) 0.00 2.60 5.21 10.41 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 Sodium 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.37 4.73 9.46 BisulfatePhosphoric 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Acid (75%) DI H2023.14 33.46 43.77 64.41 23.14 33.69 44.25 65.36

TABLE 10C Formula Name B1- B2- B3- B4- H3PO4 H3PO4 H3PO4 H3PO4 LAS 5.385.38 5.38 5.38 Pluronic F68 2.58 2.58 2.58 2.58 Lactic Acid 68.90 55.9843.06 17.23 (88%) MSA (70%) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sodium 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 Bisulfate Phosphoric 0.00 1.33 2.66 5.31 Acid (75%) DI H20 23.1434.73 46.32 69.51

Samples were visually assessed and gloss of coupon was measured. Glossdata was used as a metric to capture dullness of coupon. The lower thegloss value the more change observed of the coupon. The results areshown in Table 11 reporting pH and 20° Gloss Data. The results showpreferences for combinations of strong and weak acids according toembodiments of the compositions. For example, the difference in resultsbetween B4-MSA and B4-SAS (sodium bisulfate) show the MSA strongacid-containing composition provides approximately a 4 times lowerdulling to the treated surface (where the higher the gloss number isindicting of a shiny surface as opposed to a dulled surface). Similarly,the difference in results between B4-MSA and A4-MSA show the lactic weakacid containing composition provides approximately a 4 times lowerdulling to the treated surface (where the higher the gloss number isindicting of a shiny surface as opposed to a dulled surface).

TABLE 11 Formula pH as Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss StdevStdev Stdev Stdev Stdev Stdev Stdev Name supplied 12 hours 1 day 3 days7 days 14 days 21 days 28 days 12 hr 1 day 3 day 7 days 14 days 21 days28 days B1-MSA 2.451 218 188 141 82.3 66.1 37.8 13.2 0.5 2.8 0.2 2.2 0.32 0.8 B3-MSA 2.33 186 223 112 35.5 26.5 16.7 13.1 3.6 1.4 10.4 3.5 4.5 22.6 B3 - SAS 2.336 53.2 61 12.5 5.8 1.2 0.9 1 5.6 1.7 1.3 0.3 0 0 0 B4 -MSA 2.206 171 182 78.6 30.1 25 10.5 4.5 3.8 3 1.8 2.8 0.8 0.6 0.3 B4 -SAS 2.257 17.5 14 7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.6 1 0.2 0 0 0 0 B4 - H3PO4 2.38458.1 64.5 18 1.1 0.9 0.7 0.9 3.1 6.7 1.7 0 0 0 0 A4 - MSA 2.175 113 78.910.3 4.9 1.6 0.9 0.9 4.1 5.9 0.1 1.1 0.2 0 0 A4 - SAS 2.288 19.9 10.75.3 0.7 2.1 0.8 0.8 3.2 0.7 0.6 0 0.6 0 0

Example 8

Additional testing was conducted to demonstrate superiority of theantimicrobial compositions compared to commercially-availablecompositions. The same methods and protocol were used as described inExamples 1-3 with the modification that the titer in these studiesranged from 5-7. Ambient temperature between 20-26° C. was thetemperature condition.

In a first study, the Feline Calicivirus (FCV) norovirus surrogate(strain VR782) was evaluated according to Table 13. Formula 1 as shownin Table 12 according to the disclosure combines LAS with acids forantimicrobial efficacy. The Formulation 1 was diluted at 0.20% by wt. Acommercial quat formulation containing Bardac 205M multi-quats (3%n-alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride,2.25% octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 1-5% ethanol, 1.35%didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 0.9% dioctyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride) and chlorine (Sodium Dichloroiso Cyanurate, Dihydrate) wereused as controls for efficacy comparisons. The commercial quatformulation has an actives of 15 wt-% and was diluted at 0.53% by wt.The 50 ppm chlorine was diluted to 0.1 g/L.

TABLE 12 Formula 1 Wt-% Water 32.8 LAS (96%) 13.3 Lactic Acid (88%) 38.8MSA (70%) 10.0 Pluronic 17R4 5.0 Additional Functional RemainderIngredient

TABLE 13 Chemistry Contact Time Soil Condition R1 R2 R3 R4 Formula 1 30seconds no soil complete complete complete complete (250 ppm)inactivation inactivation inactivation inactivation Commercial 30seconds no soil 1.25 1.00 — — quat control (400 ppm) Chlorine 30 secondsno soil complete complete — — (50 ppm) inactivation inactivation

As shown in Table 13, both chlorine and the Formula 1 were able toachieve complete inactivation with a 30 second contact time while themulti-quaternary control formulation was only able to achieve an averageof 1.125 log reduction. In a second study, the Murine Norovirus (MNV)surrogate strain was evaluated according to Table 14 using theFormulation 1 of Table 12 diluted to 0.42% by wt. The commercial quatformulation has an actives of 15 wt-% and was diluted at 0.53% by wt.The 50 ppm chlorine (sodium hypochlorite 10%) was diluted to 0.05% bywt. The 100 ppm chlorine (Sodium Dichloroiso Cyanurate, Dihydrate) wasdiluted to 0.18 g/L. The 200 ppm chlorine (sodium hypochlorite 10%) wasdiluted to 0.20% by wt. The concentrations selected for evaluation ofthe chlorine were based on permitted concentrations for no-rinseapplications, including 400 ppm active quat, 100 ppm when chlorine issourced from sodium dichlororisocyanurate dihydrate and 200 ppm whensourced from sodium hypochlorite. In addition the evaluatedconcentrations are threshold levels of chemistry that have currentlyaccepted odor, residue and corrosion profiles. Therefore, the claimedcomposition having complete inactivation (or at least a 5 log reduction)of viruses in addition to the no-rinse application feature withdesirable odor, residue and corrosion profiles is beneficial. profileWithout being limited to a particular benefit of the compositions andmethods of use thereof, a no-rinse application is not required. A rinsestep can further be employed.

TABLE 14 Contact Soil Chemistry Time Condition R1 Formula 1 1 minute nosoil 3.25 (541 ppm) Formula 1 5 no soil complete (541 ppm) minutesinactivation (7 log titer) Commercial 5 no soil 2.5 quat control minutes(400 ppm) Chlorine 5 no soil 0 (50 ppm) minutes Chlorine 5 no soil <1(100 ppm) minutes Chlorine 5 no soil 1.25 (200 ppm) minutes

As shown in Table 14, the Formula 1 combining an acid and anionicsurfactant provides superior outcomes to the commercially-availablemulti quat composition and chlorine composition controls. Formula 1demonstrates complete inactivation with a 5 minute contact time.However, under the same condition, the commercially-available multi quatcomposition was only able to achieve a 2.5 log reduction. 50 ppmchlorine under the same conditions demonstrated no log reduction and 100ppm chlorine demonstrated less than 1 log reduction.

The inventions being thus described, it will be obvious that the samemay be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the inventions and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims. The above specification provides a description of themanufacture and use of the disclosed compositions and methods. Sincemany embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention, the invention resides in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid virucidal composition consisting of:from about 20 wt-% to about 40 wt-% of at least one weak acid consistingof lactic acid, citric acid, and/or malic acid; from about 5 wt-% toabout 15 wt-% of at least one strong acid consisting of methane sulfonicacid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and/or sodium bisulfate; fromabout 5 wt-% to about 20 wt-% of at least one sulfonate, sulfate and/orcarboxylate anionic surfactant; water; and optionally at least oneadditional functional ingredient including nonionic surfactant,solidifying agents, fragrances, and/or dyes, wherein the composition isa liquid concentrate having an acidic pH that is non-flammable; whereina use pH of the composition is from about 1.5 to about 4; and whereinthe composition is a no-rinse virucidal composition effective againstNorovirus.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactantis a C8-C22 alkyl sulfonate, and/or alpha sulfonated carboxylic acid orits ester.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the C8-C22 alkylsulfonate is linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.
 4. The composition ofclaim 1, further comprising the nonionic surfactant, wherein thenonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant having anethylene oxide/propylene oxide (EO/PO) block copolymer.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a use pH from about2 to about
 4. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the compositionfurther comprises the at least one additional functional ingredient fromabout 1 wt-% to about 38 wt %.
 7. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe at least one weak acid comprises from about 20 wt-% to about 38 wt-%of the composition and the at least one strong acid comprises from about5 wt-% to about 10 wt-% of the composition.
 8. The composition of claim1, wherein the liquid is saturated onto a wipe substrate.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the liquid is provided as a ready to useconcentration comprising from about 5 ppm to about 10,000 ppm of the atleast one weak acid and the at least one strong acid, and from about 10ppm to about 6,000 ppm of the anionic surfactant.
 10. A method of usinga virucidal composition, comprising: contacting the virucidalcomposition of claim 1 to a surface in need of treatment, wherein themethod does not require a rinse step and the contacting providesantiviral inactivation efficacy against Norovirus of at least a 3-logreduction to complete inactivation.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinthe contacting is by wiping, dipping, immersing, or spraying, andwherein the surface is a hard surface, a precleaned hard surface, asurface contaminated with Norovirus and/or biofilm, and/or a human ormammalian tissue.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the contactingprovides complete kill of the Norovirus in less than 1 minute, andwherein the contacting step is at an aqueous use temperature from about40° F.-160° F.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the concentrate isdiluted at a rate of from about ⅛ oz./gal. to about 2 oz./gal. to form ause solution comprising from about 5 ppm to about 10,000 ppm of at leastone acid, and from about 10 ppm to about 6000 ppm of at least oneanionic surfactant.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein a sensor and/orindicator is employed to measure and detect at least one of thefollowing: solution pH at which the compositions loses biocidalefficacy, concentration of anionic surfactant in the use solution,fluorescence, and/or conductivity.
 15. A liquid virucidal compositionconsisting of: from about 150 ppm to about 700 ppm of at least onestrong acid consisting of methane sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid,sulfuric acid, and/or sodium bisulfate and from about 1500 ppm to about4000 ppm of at least one weak acid consisting of lactic acid, citricacid, and/or malic acid; from about 400 ppm to about 700 ppm of at leastone sulfonate, sulfate and/or carboxylate anionic surfactant; water; andoptionally at least one additional functional ingredient includingnonionic surfactant, solidifying agents, fragrances, and/or dyes,wherein the composition is non-flammable; wherein the pH of thecomposition is from about 1.5 to about 4; and wherein the composition isa no-rinse viricidal composition effective against Norovirus.
 16. Thecomposition of claim 15, wherein the anionic surfactant is a C8-C22alkyl sulfonate and/or alpha sulfonated carboxylic acid or its ester.17. The composition of claim 15, wherein the at least one additionalfunctional ingredient is the nonionic surfactant.
 18. A method ofinactivating a virus, said method comprising: contacting the virucidalcomposition of claim 15 to a surface in need of treatment; wherein thecontacting provides antiviral inactivation efficacy against Norovirus ofat least a 3 log reduction to complete inactivation within less 1minute, or preferably less than 30 seconds, and wherein the method doesnot require a rinse step and does not impart a residue on the treatedsurface.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further providesefficacy against a small, non-enveloped virus, a large, non-envelopedvirus, and/or an enveloped virus.